Archived News:

Thursday, Jun 14, 2012

BioWare's Emmanuel Lusinchi, lead designer on Star Wars: The Old Republic, tells gamesTM that the quality of some competing MMOGs is more of a factor than how they are free-to-play as something that has caused them to rethink their approach to their MMORPG. Along the way, he does admit that they are "looking at" F2P: "The MMO market is very dynamic and we need to be dynamic as well," he says. "Unless people are happy with what they have, they are constantly demanding updates, new modes and situations. So we are looking at free-to-play but I can’t tell you in much detail. We have to be flexible and adapt to what is going on."

British developer Charles Cecil will announce Revolution Software's next project sometime next month, reports Edge Magazine, saying they've been tipped that this will be Broken Sword 5, the first new installment in this point-and-click adventure series since 2006. "We’ve risked the frustration of the fans," says Cecil. "They know that we’re writing a new game. We’re going to be announcing it with a fanfare." They cannot confirm it is a new Broken Sword game, but do say they know it will be coming for Windows, OS X, iOS, and Android, and that console editions have not been ruled out. They also say the game will return to using 2D graphics like the first two Broken Swords, rather than use the 3D of the latter two installments in the series, and goes on to discuss the virtues of 2D over 3D for this type of game.

This short trailer offers a teaser for Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, the upcoming sequel to Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Frictional's survival/horror game. Word is this is being offered as a reward to the response to The Humble Indie Bundle V (thanks Joao). Continue here to read the full story.

This weekend only, play Napoleon: Total War for FREE until Sunday at 1pm Pacific Time. Plus, save 50% off during the Weekend Deal*!

History is as yet unwritten. Whether you play as the legendary general or against him, the outcome of war can never be guaranteed.

From his early Italian campaign, right through to the decisive Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon: Total War™ encompasses two decades of Napoleon’s relentless battles; the backdrop is a world in flames, against which the story of an extraordinary military career unfolds.

Featuring head-to-head campaign multiplayer and optional drop-in combat against other human players, Napoleon: Total War™ also pushes the boundaries of multiplayer strategy gaming.

The Seattle Times has the NPD's latest U.S. sales figures, showing game sales fell 28% in May (to $516.5 million), with hardware sales down 39% from 2011 ($138.9 million). The good news is this does not include digital sales, downloads, and microtransactions, and they say: "NPD estimates that digital sales were around $420 million, which would boost overall U.S. game spending to $1.17 billion." They also have a sales chart showing Diablo III at number one, and say: "A bright spot was PC game sales, which rose 230 percent, driven by the release of 'Diablo III.' It was the top-selling game in May, the first time a PC game topped the charts since July 2010, NPD said in its release."

RBS Citizens, aka Citizens Bank, is suing Curt Schilling for $2.4 million in loans it made to Schilling's 38 Studios, which recently closed its doors, reports the Boston Globe. The developer filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection as part of its closure, but the bank says Schilling personally guaranteed this money, which the lawsuit says he "has failed and refused" to pay, calling it "a straightforward matter of liability." Schilling could not be reached for comment. The report outlines other portions of the company's debt that may also turn out to be the former major league pitcher's personal responsibility. Thanks Shacknews.

SteamNews announces the release of a new automatic patch for Sid Meier's Civilization V. Among the changes to the turn-based strategy sequel is Steam Workshop support:

[MODDING]

- Steam Workshop enabled.
- DLL swapping is now possible in-game.
- Updated mod browser to utilize Steam Workshop.
- Font Icons are now moddable.
- Unit art is now fully moddable.
- Mods are now activated the moment you click "Next" on the mods browser rather than when you click "Single Player."

This release contains the original Rune content, plus the multiplayer expansion pack Halls of Valhalla. Experience an exciting single player storyline where you thwart Loki and his minions from bringing Ragnarok to Midgard that will keep you entertained for hours. Eat meat and lizards, drink mead, as survival food. Call upon the power of the gods to enchant your weapon with Rune powers.

Ubisoft announces the Pirate of the Savage Sea Adventure Pack for Might & Magic Heroes VI, which features the return of Crag Hack along with new artifacts and weapons for the turn-based strategy sequel. Here are some screenshots, and here's word:

Today, Ubisoft® announced that the first adventure pack for the universally acclaimed Might & Magic® Heroes® VI will be made available for Windows® PC on July 12th, 2012.

Developed by Limbic Entertainment GmbH in Germany, Might & Magic Heroes VI Pirate of the Savage Sea Adventure Pack offers over 10-hours of epic adventure. The legendary Might & Magic hero, Crag Hack, makes an epic comeback, appearing for the first time as a leading character in the world of Ashan. This Adventure Pack also features new artifacts, a powerful dynasty weapon and many new bonuses.

In addition to the release of new downloadable content, a major patch for Might & Magic® Heroes® VI, that includes new content and beautifully animated town screens tailored specifically to the expectations of Might & Magic® will also be available on July 12th, 2012.

Might & Magic Heroes VI Pirate of the Savage Sea Adventure Pack will be available to download for $9.99 on Ubishop, Steam and other digital retailers.

Indie Royale unveils their June Bug Bundle, a new collection of indie games offered at a low price. Here's word: "The new June Bug Bundle is available now, featuring PixelJunk Eden, Escape Goat, Auditorium, Noitu Love 2: Devolution and an updated Alpha Preview of Iconoclasts. Additionally anyone who pays over $7 gets a chiptune album, 8 Bit Weapon's Bits with Byte."

Zeboyd Games announces an early release June 25th release date for Penny Arcade’s On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 3, a fresh twist for the adventure game sequel that almost didn't get made (thanks nin). Word is: "Penny Arcade’s On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 is now scheduled to come out on June 25th. It was originally planned for a July release but we figured – the game is done so why wait that long? Also, everyone who buys the game on Steam in the first week will get a free copy of our previous game on Steam, Cthulhu Saves the World."

High Moon Studios announces Peter Cullen and Gregg Berger will reprise their roles as the voices of Optimus Prime and Grimlock in Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, the upcoming multiplayer robot combat sequel that we recently learned is coming to PCs as well as consoles. Here's word on other voice talent in the game in classic AOL font: "TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON will also feature the talents of voice-over veterans Nolan North (BRUTICUS, CLIFFJUMPER and BRAWL), Troy Baker (JAZZ, JETFIRE and KICKBACK), Fred Tatasciore (MEGATRON, RATCHET and METROPLEX), Steve Blum (SHOCKWAVE, SWINDLE and SHARPSHOT), Isaac Singleton (SOUNDWAVE) and more."

The World of Warcraft Website points to an updated Mists of Pandaria talent page showing more of what to expect from the upcoming expansion for Blizzard's MMORPG. Word is: "Take a look at the wide range of skills and talents that your new monk heroes will unleash on their foes, add glyphs to your skills, and link to and discuss your builds on the forums with your fellow theorycrafters."

Happy Flag Day, as today is the U.S.'s celebration of the adoption of the American Flag. This us celebrated by flying said flag, but since I am a descendant of alleged flag creator Betsy Ross, I am gladly accepting checks and other remuneration from those looking to express more tangible appreciation for the stars and stripes.